NEIL Powell was yesterday ruled out of the Emirates Airline SA Sevens tournament in George after the veteran player injured his shoulder during the Dubai Plate final on Saturday against Australia.

Powell, a former Springbok Sevens captain, is replaced by the versatile Marius Schoeman.

South Africa returns to George today with 15 other international teams for the annual Sevens showpiece, which takes place on Friday and Saturday.

Bok coach Paul Treu said the team’s two losses on Saturday against Fiji (in the Cup quarter-final) and Australia were a big disappointment. – Sapa